North Bay delays West Ferris arena demolition vote

North Bay delays the demolition of the West Ferri Arena, sending the 59-year-old rink’s fate back to committee amid debate over repurposing versus tearing down.

North Bay City council voted on Tuesday evening to delay making a choice as to whether to demolish and decommission the aging West Ferris Centennial Community Arena. The option to tear it down has long been tied to the building of the city’s new twin-pad facility.

Following a passionate plea by resident Bill Antler, who says he grew up in the arena, a large majority of council chose to delay its decision and re-examine the issue in the Infrastructure and Operations Committee.

Resident questions structural reports

Antler made the comments in a 10-minute presentation to city council on June 2.

“I hear things like demolishing. I say, ‘Why?’ Well, I’m told structurally, it’s not sound,” he said.

A staff report found the arena has reached the end of its expected life service due to structural deterioration, aging systems and long-term maintenance.

Councillor seeks fuller discussion

“Decommissioning doesn’t always mean demolishing. Demolishing has always been a conversation that could be something that happened,” said councillor Tanya Vrebosch as she supported sending the issue back for further review.

“But we’ve never had that fulsome discussion.”

Mayor says repurposing not feasible

Mayor Peter Chirico cast the lone vote against sending the issue back for further discussion.

Chirco argues that after several years of discussion and studies, it is time for the matter to be put to rest, since decisions on the arena have been made by councils in the past.

“To repurpose it is going to take millions of dollars. We talk about fiscal responsibility. Millions of dollars would have to be poured into that arena just to make it stable,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful thought to repurpose that building for something else, it’s just not feasible.”

Chirico told CTV News on Wednesday that a study commissioned by the city determined that North Bay does not need six ice pads.

This debate comes as the city prepares to open its new $63-million twin-pad community and recreation centre later on Lakeshore Drive in August. That arena project was approved to eventually replace the West Ferris arena.

Ringette’s birthplace sparks emotional plea

“When it came time to finding a new arena, we took seven years. When it comes time to close an arena, we take five days,” said Antler.

The rink is the birthplace of ringette and Vrebosch said she wants to ensure West Ferris residents have a chance to voice their opinions before a final decision is made – whether that be presentations to council members or a town hall-style meeting.

“I’ve always thought about it being a more of a dry land community hub because if we don’t need another ice rink, keep it intact, if we can,” the councillor said.

Vrebosch said she wonders if it is best to just pass the decision on to the next council, since the municipal election is right around the corner.

“If the sky isn’t falling, then take a sober second thought to it. Take a breath and then have a plan,” said.

Chirico disagreed with that idea, saying he is not comfortable with passing the buck.

“Why we would just defer this to the next council for their consideration when we know relatively the ultimate cost is in the millions of dollars to rehab or renovate this facility – it just does not make any sense,” the mayor said.

Resident backs more assessments

Antler said he would support additional engineering assessments if they helped determine if the structure could be safely reused for an alternative community need.

A full building conditions assessment could cost as much as $600,000, while a less intensive study that would examine whether it would make economic sense to convert the building could cost between $100,000 and $250,000.